A former Gravesend sports journalist who went on to become a senior editor at one of the Far East’s biggest news outlets has died following a battle with cancer.

Roger Ryan, who was 64, died in Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 9 during hospital treatment on an infection.

He had moved to the Far East in 1994, working for the South China Morning Post, the Hong Kong Standard, and finally the China Daily website.

While still in the UK he had enjoyed time on the sports desk at the Daily Mail and was also a member of the Football Writers’ Association and Sports Journalists’ Association, but his career began at the Gravesend and Dartford Reporter.

In 1977 he became the youngest sports editor in the paper’s history and he later became editor of the group’s entire Leader series.

Mike Gunnill worked alongside Mr Ryan during his time in Gravesend and described him as “a gentle giant who had time for everyone”.

"He liked nothing better that to sit in the open stand press box and report on the game he loved" Mike Gunnill

He recalled: “I was the young lad from Yorkshire who joined the photography department of the Gravesend and Dartford Reporter. Roger was a sports reporter and one of the first to say hello and welcome.

“Of course he took me for a drink, that’s the way Roger used to do business. He told me about the building in Harmer Street and the people who worked there.

“He worked his way up at the Reporter and became sports editor, but he never lost that love of sport and especially football at Gravesend and Northfleet FC.

“He liked nothing better that to sit in the open stand press box and report on the game he loved. I have seen him soaked to the skin but he still had a smile on his face.

“Long hair always, but a gentle giant who had time for everyone. He was never happier than sitting at Stonebridge Road doing the work he loved. A true professional, who lived the job.”

Mr Ryan was a well known figure throughout Gravesham and could often be found in his favourite pub, the Jolly Drayman in Wellington Street.

He was also a stalwart of Old Gravesendians Rugby Club, serving as the press officer and captain of the Gremlins Sunday team.

Club chairman Les Bevan paid tribute to him in a statement on the club’s website, which reads: “Our thoughts are with his wife Helen and his family at this time. He was a good friend and will be much missed.

“Roger was a true Old G to the core and all will be a huge loss to the Old Gravesendians family. May he rest in peace.”

Did you know Mr Ryan? Would you like to pay tribute? Email us at gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.